Located in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, West Lafayette was established in 1836. Purdue University — one of the top engineering schools in the world. Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon, was a Purdue alum.
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Founded1836|Population50,000|Peak50,000(2024)|CountyTippecanoe County
Top 10 Most Important Events for West Lafayette, Indiana
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1836Founded: West Lafayette was founded in Tippecanoe County.
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1869Purdue: Purdue University.
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1886Economic Development: West Lafayette grew through the automobile industry.
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1890Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define West Lafayette's character and economy.
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2010Modern Era: West Lafayette continued to develop as part of the greater metropolitan area, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Complete Historical Timeline
1836Culture
Founded
1869Culture
Purdue
1886Industry
Economic Development
1890Culture
Higher Education
2010Culture
Modern Era
Did You Know?
1
Purdue University — one of the top engineering schools in the world.
2
Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon, was a Purdue alum.
3
Classic college town across the Wabash from Lafayette.
4
West Lafayette is located in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
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West Lafayette was founded in 1836.
Famous People from West Lafayette, Indiana
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Katie Bouman
Electrical Engineer, Computer Scientist · Born May 9, 1989 · Age 36
AJ
Anissa Jones
Actor · Born Mar 11, 1958 · Died Aug 28, 1976 (age 18)
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Amanda Elmore
Rower · Born Mar 13, 1991 · Age 34
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Marshall Plumlee
Basketball Player · Born Jul 13, 1992 · Age 33
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Brian Binnie
Military Officer, Test Pilot · Born Apr 26, 1953 · Died Sep 15, 2022 (age 69)
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